Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Chapter 1079 - 774: Secret Report from Tongguan!

Yu Wenqian raised his eyes to look at him.Although everyone was delighted at this moment, and his face bore a smile, that pair of particularly transparent eyes still emitted a sense of chill.

He slowly stood up.

Upon seeing this action, Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi instinctively exchanged glances. They had just toasted with Yu Wenquan to celebrate the victory of this battle, and Yu Wenquan had asked the Crown Prince a question, clearly expecting his congratulatory words.

However, Yu Wenqian rose just to stand there, without raising his cup.

Seeing this move, Yu Wenquan’s gaze slightly darkened. Yu Wenqian, after standing up, saluted him and said loudly, "What I wanted to say has been voiced by the second brother and sister-in-law. I can only say—since this battle has smoothly seized the Song and Xu States, Father should strike while the iron is hot and soon arrange the use of forces against Luoyang."

"Oh?"

This quick shift to post-war matters surprised Yu Wenquan, causing his expression to grow sharp.

Yu Wenye’s brow furrowed unconsciously.

Yu Wenqian continued, "Even if it is not an immediate attack on Luoyang, it is necessary to increase forces at Song and Xu States to prevent reaction from Liang Shide’s side. If he dispatches troops to retake these territories, not only will the current battle be in vain, but it would also be detrimental to our future plans to advance eastward."

Yu Wenquan nodded gently upon hearing this: "What you say makes sense."

Upon hearing his words, Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi’s expressions gradually darkened.

Shang Ruyi wasn’t an ordinary woman wholly unversed in military matters. Over the years with Yu Wenye, especially after personally experiencing the battlefield, she grew interested in military affairs, having inherited a keen instinct from her father. And Yu Wenqian’s words clearly exposed a problem—Song and Xu States were captured by Shen Tu Tai, who was Yu Wenye’s person, meaning this battle’s credit originally had nothing to do with the Crown Prince. All the merit should be credited to King Qin, but Yu Wenqian’s congratulations made no mention of this success, instead focusing immediately on post-war arrangements.

Of course, Yu Wenquan appreciated such words; having someone share his worries was perfect.

Post-war arrangements involved merely two aspects: striking while the iron is hot to immediately arrange an attack on Luoyang, or increasing troops at Song and Xu States to maintain the current situation in preparation for future attacks on Luoyang.

If Yu Wenqian participates in these two aspects, he would manipulate the eventual major battle attacking Luoyang.

The merit of capturing Song and Xu States pales in comparison to the battle for Luoyang.

He intends to intervene in the matter of attacking Luoyang!

Clearly, he has felt that, although he has helped the Emperor deal with many administrative affairs in Chang An recently, merely the task of calculating wealthy households’ estates in the Guanzhong Region kept him up for several nights. Yet such heavy tasks, last night, spoken aloud, are far from comparing to Yu Wenye recommending Shen Tu Tai to capture two cities.

Now, Yu Wenye said: "Elder brother, attacking Luoyang is no small matter, not something two or three sentences can explain."

Yu Wenqian also turned to look at him. In the bright hall, the two, though not very alike, had eyes equally bright that overshadowed all surrounding flames; when their gazes met, it was as if thousands of troops stormed past. Yu Wenqian slightly smiled and said, "Second brother is right. Foreseeing and planning ahead secures success; failing to plan leads to ruin, especially for such significant matters that require early preparation. After all—"

He smiled faintly: "Luoyang is different from Song and Xu States."

"..."

"Liang Shide is not Fan Cheng’en."

No, this isn’t just a simple intervention.

Shang Ruyi watched clearly on the side: Yu Wenqian is competing with Yu Wenye for a chance to attack Luoyang!

However, he didn’t have many capable military generals under his command. Despite the battle of Taiyuan establishing him as the Crown Prince, that was his personal fight, and now he’s been appointed as the Crown Prince—the nation’s foundation—how could he be allowed to personally lead troops again?

Yu Wenquan evidently detected the deeper meaning in his words; he looked at the Crown Prince, then at King Qin, pondered for a moment, and said with a smile: "No need for you to continue."

Everyone immediately turned their heads to him.

Yu Wenquan said, "As for the people and matters regarding the attack on Luoyang, I will decide."

Everyone said, "Yes."

The slight dispute seemed to settle with Yu Wenquan’s calm words, yet Shang Ruyi’s heart surged with an unusual wave—Yu Wenqian’s words came unexpectedly, and in hindsight, something seemed amiss. Even if he wanted to compete for the opportunity to attack Luoyang, he should know Yu Wenquan wouldn’t easily allow the Crown Prince to lead troops; such contention would only provoke Yu Wenye to strive for the same.

Between him and Yu Wenye, who’s the more suitable choice to lead troops—isn’t that obvious?

Is it possible—he wants to let Yu Wenye lead the expedition?

Just this thought made Shang Ruyi feel her mind was somewhat dulled; otherwise, how could she have such strange thoughts?

As her mind was entangled with various uncertainties, Yu Wenquan spoke again: "So, elder, do you truly have nothing to say to me?"

It seemed the Emperor still desired to hear the Crown Prince’s congratulations.

Upon hearing these words, Yu Wenqian lifted his eyes to glance opposite at Yu Wenye, finally bending down to pick up the wine cup and said to Yu Wenquan: "Then I’ll—"

Before he finished speaking, another rapid series of footsteps interrupted him.

This time, a trace of displeasure appeared on Yu Wenquan’s face. He raised his head and saw that the little eunuch who had been there earlier was rushing in again, holding a sealed box. Upon seeing this, Eunuch Yu promptly approached him, lowered his voice and said, "Do you wish to die? The Emperor is drinking with the Crown Prince, and you come intruding at this moment?"

The little eunuch whispered two sentences.

Shang Ruyi, sitting closest to them, strained her ears to barely catch the words "intelligence report," and Eunuch Yu’s burly back shuddered briefly before taking the box from the little eunuch’s hand and proceeding to Yu Wenquan’s side, where he whispered another sentence.

This time, everyone heard the term "Tongguan."

Tongguan, an intelligence report had arrived?

Shang Ruyi involuntarily held her breath, as did Yu Wenye beside her and Yu Wenqian opposite; all simultaneously set down their wine cups, their eyes fixed on Yu Wenquan as he accepted the box and unlocked the sealed copper clasp with a "snap."

Two urgent reports in one night, with this report seeming more significant than the last?

Then, what could it be?!